Magnolia Xalba a slowish growing 'smallish' evergreen tree, to about 20-30'. They might look like a large bushy shrub. (What is the difference between a small multi-stemmed tree and a large shrub?)
Leaves are evergreen, simple, alternate, about 8" long, widely lance-shaped with smooth margins, light green color upper with slightly lighter below.
Young stems are green with lots of white spots (lenticels). Older branches are light tan. Flower buds are covered with copper colored hairs. They are smaller than most other magnolias.
Flowers are white, very fragrant and seem to be produced year round here. Off white color, with narrow strap-like petals, usually 8 of them.
This magnolia has several common names, White Champaca, White Sandalwood, and Fragrant Himalayan Champaca. It is also in the genera tug of war with Magnolia split into Michelia and Magnolia and back again? Monrovia is sticking with Michelia. Other synonyms include: Magnolia alba, Michelia × longifolia, Michelia longifolia, Sampacca × longifolia, Sampacca longifolia
Aptos
553 Cuesta Dr. Shrubby version
1701Calypso Dr. Tree version
